Ever found yourself needing to urgently call your cousin in New York, but feeling completely bewildered by international dialing codes and potential charges? Calling the USA from Australia on your mobile phone might seem daunting at first glance, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the necessary steps. In today's interconnected world, being able to easily reach friends, family, or business contacts across the globe is essential. Misdialing or using the wrong prefixes can lead to failed calls and unexpected expenses, so it's important to get it right.
Whether you're calling for a family emergency, a business opportunity, or simply to chat with loved ones, knowing the proper procedures for international calling from your mobile is invaluable. With the right information, you can navigate the dialing process with confidence and avoid any unnecessary frustration. This guide provides a clear and concise breakdown of everything you need to know to successfully connect with the USA from your Australian mobile.
What are the essential steps to calling the USA from my Australian mobile?
What's the cheapest way to call the USA from Australia using my mobile?
The cheapest way to call the USA from Australia using your mobile is typically through a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, or Google Voice, leveraging your mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection. These services allow you to make calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks and their associated international calling charges.
Using VoIP services significantly reduces costs because you're essentially paying for data rather than per-minute calling rates. Many of these services offer free calls to other users within the same platform, so if the person you're calling in the USA also uses the same app, the call is entirely free. Even calling a US landline or mobile number through these apps is substantially cheaper than direct dialing or using standard international calling plans from Australian mobile carriers. Be sure to check the specific rates for calling US numbers as they can vary between providers. However, remember that the quality of your call will depend on the strength and stability of your internet connection. If you're using mobile data, be mindful of your data allowance to avoid excess charges. Wi-Fi is generally the more cost-effective option if available. Some Australian mobile providers also offer international call add-ons or discounted rates for specific countries, so it's worth comparing these plans against VoIP options to see which provides the best value for your specific needs.What is the exit code for Australia and the country code for USA for mobile calls?
The exit code for Australia is 0011, and the country code for the USA is 1. Therefore, when calling the USA from Australia on a mobile phone, you would dial 0011 followed by 1 and then the US phone number.
The exit code, also known as the international access code, tells the Australian phone network that you're about to dial a number outside of Australia. The country code, in this case 1 for the USA, identifies which country you are calling. Without these codes, the phone network wouldn't know how to route your call correctly.
So, to call a US number like (555) 123-4567 from your Australian mobile, you would dial: 0011 1 555 123 4567. Make sure to replace (555) 123-4567 with the actual US phone number you're trying to reach. Remember that international call charges will apply, and it's wise to check with your mobile provider about their rates for calls to the USA.
Do I need to dial any specific numbers before the USA country code when calling from an Australian mobile?
Yes, you need to dial '0011' which is the exit code for Australia, before dialing the USA country code (+1) when calling from your Australian mobile phone.
The '0011' prefix tells the Australian mobile network that you are making an international call and need to be routed accordingly. Without this exit code, your phone will attempt to interpret the following numbers as a local Australian number, which will result in the call failing. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence would be '0011 1 [area code] [local number]' when calling a US number from an Australian mobile.
To summarise, the process is as follows. First, dial '0011'. Second, dial the USA country code, which is '1'. Third, dial the three-digit area code of the US number you are trying to reach. Finally, dial the seven-digit local phone number in the US. So, a complete call to a US number, for example (555) 123-4567, would be dialed as: 0011 1 555 1234567.
Will my Australian mobile plan charge me extra for calling a USA number?
Yes, generally, your Australian mobile plan will charge you extra for calling a USA number. International calls are typically not included in standard mobile plans and incur additional charges.
Making calls to the United States from your Australian mobile phone is considered an international call, and therefore attracts different rates than local or national calls within Australia. The specific charges can vary significantly depending on your mobile provider (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, etc.) and the specific plan you are on. Some plans might offer international call packs or add-ons that reduce the per-minute rate, while others charge a standard international call rate. Before making the call, it's highly recommended to check with your provider's website, mobile app, or by contacting their customer support to understand the exact charges you will incur. You should look for the per-minute rate for calls to the USA and whether there are any connection fees. Another cost-effective option to consider is using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber. These services allow you to make calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks. While these apps generally require both the caller and recipient to have the app installed, and a stable internet connection, they usually offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls, sometimes even free if calling another user of the same app. Keep in mind that using mobile data for VoIP calls will consume your data allowance, and you might incur data charges if you exceed your monthly limit.Are there apps I can use on my mobile to make cheaper calls to the USA from Australia?
Yes, numerous mobile apps allow you to make significantly cheaper calls to the USA from Australia by leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps connect your calls over the internet rather than traditional phone networks, bypassing international calling rates.
These VoIP apps often offer different pricing models. Some operate on a credit-based system, where you purchase credits and use them to pay per minute. Others offer monthly subscription plans with a set amount of calling time to the USA. Still others may offer completely free calling under certain conditions, often supported by advertising. When choosing an app, consider factors like call quality, ease of use, the app's specific rates to the US, and any additional features it offers, such as call recording or international SMS.
Examples of popular and reliable apps for calling the USA from Australia include: WhatsApp (for calls to other WhatsApp users), Skype, Viber, Google Voice (requires a US number for full functionality), and dedicated VoIP providers like Rebtel and Vonage Mobile. Be sure to compare the rates and features of each app before deciding which one best suits your needs and calling habits. Always test the call quality with a trial call to ensure a clear connection before committing to a paid plan or purchasing credits.
How do I call a USA mobile number versus a landline number from Australia?
Calling a USA mobile number from Australia is virtually identical to calling a USA landline. You simply dial the international exit code for Australia (0011), followed by the USA country code (1), then the area code, and finally the local number. There's no special prefix or procedure depending on whether you're calling a mobile or a landline within the USA.
In practice, the complete dialing sequence would be 0011 1 XXX YYY ZZZZ, where XXX represents the three-digit area code within the USA, and YYY ZZZZ represents the seven-digit local number. For instance, to call a number with area code 212 and local number 555-1234, you would dial 0011 1 212 555 1234. It's crucial to ensure you have the correct area code, as many cities have multiple area codes. You can usually find the area code for a specific location with a quick online search if you're unsure.
Consider using a mobile app offering international calling if you anticipate making frequent calls to the USA. Services like Skype, WhatsApp (for calls to other WhatsApp users), Viber, and Google Voice often offer significantly cheaper rates compared to standard mobile carrier international call charges. These apps typically require an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) but can greatly reduce the cost of calling international numbers, especially mobile numbers which can sometimes incur higher termination fees. Before using a specific app, always check its current international calling rates to avoid any unexpected charges. Also, keep in mind that if calling through an app, the recipient might see a different caller ID than your actual mobile number depending on the app's configuration.
What are the time zone differences I should consider when calling the USA from Australia?
Calling the USA from Australia requires careful consideration of the significant time zone differences. Australia has multiple time zones (e.g., Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)), and the USA also has several (e.g., Eastern Time (ET), Central Time (CT), Mountain Time (MT), Pacific Time (PT)). The difference can range from 14 to 19 hours depending on the specific locations and whether either country is observing daylight saving time (DST).
When planning your call, it's crucial to first identify the specific time zone in both Australia (where you are) and the USA (where the person you're calling is located). Use online time zone converters or world clocks to determine the exact difference at the time you plan to call. Keep in mind that Australia's and the USA's DST periods do not coincide perfectly, which can shift the time difference by an hour for certain periods of the year. To avoid calling at inconvenient hours, such as late at night or early in the morning for the recipient in the USA, calculate the corresponding time in their location before dialing. A good rule of thumb is to aim for calling during their standard business hours (9 AM to 5 PM local time), but always confirm their preferred calling hours beforehand. For example, if it's 7 PM AEST in Sydney, it could be 4 AM ET in New York, which is generally not a good time to call.Alright, that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now equipped and ready to easily connect with friends, family, or colleagues in the USA from your Aussie mobile. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped clear things up. Come back and visit us again for more helpful tips and tricks!